Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-10-06
THE G. A. R. ENCAMPMENT
A Summary Of Commander-in- Chief
Fairchild's Address and Gray's Report.
Report of the Committee on Pension
Bill Adopted Contents of the Bill.
The Next Annual Encampment to be
Held in Columbus. O.-Other Notes.
FAIRCHILD'S ANNUAL ADDRESS.

FAIRCHILD'S ANNUAL ADDRESS.
ST. Louis, Sept. 28.- Commander ir
Chief Fairchild' S address starts off by say
ing that the loyal people of the country
| are with the 6. A. R., heart and soul, ano
| will support it so long as it keeps strict
| ly within the path OF duty marked out BY
its founders. He is confident the Grams
Army has not been used for political
purposes during the year he has been al
the head of it. He warns members to be
on their guard, when he acts or speaks
as member of the G. A. r., lest uncon-
sciOusly he should lend himself to the
furtherance of schemes or measures for
eign to its legitimate purposes. Gen
Fairchild then pays a touching tribute to
Gen. Logan, and recommends the accept
ance of the Grant cottage, rendered by
Mr.. Drexel. He also suggests that the
Grant memorial committee be continued
and asks that the government census IL
1890 include old soldiers. He recommen-
DIS the permanent location of national
headquarters and the appointment OF
an assistant adjutant general, to be paid
and remain a. headquarters. He sug-
gests the appointment of an historian
to write the history of the G.. A. r. to
date. Gen. Fairchiid then reached
THE SUBJECT OF PENSIONS,
saying:
There has been no change of opinion
or change of method in our ranks. We
have been for years of one mind in con-
sidering it but simple justice that the
United States should at least grant a
pension of not less that $12 month to
all persons who served three months or
more in the military or naval service Of
the United States during the war of the
rebellion and who have been honorably
discharged therefrom and who are now,
or who may herea fter be,suffering from
mental or physical disability not the re-
suit of their own vicious habits, which
incapacites them for the performance
of manual labor. This has been publicly
advocated by us, and all men, who cared
to know, have been fully aware, of our
action and yet, until recently, we have
heard almost no objection to such meas
ures." The commander then says that a
vast majority of posts have voted for the
dependent pension bill, and he believes
it will pass the next congress. Of the
service pension bill, he says:
l am not here to argue against that as
an ultimate measure.
Gen. Fairchild then speaks highly of
the woman's relief corps which shows an
increase during the year 504 corps and
1878 members has expended in charity,
during the year $56.106.18 and has on
hand $36, 900.72. He notes the fact that
the membership of the sons of veterans
legitamitly our successors, is increasing,
He compline nts his staff officers inluding
Adjt. Gen. Gray.
In conclusion the commander says: We
have not now, nor have we at any time
since the war closed had any disposition
to
OPEN THE BLOODY CHAsM
which once unhappily divided this peo-
ple- We not only will not ourselves, re-
open that dreadful abyss, but will with
the loyal people north and south, pro-
test again all attempts which others may
make to do so, by holding up fer special
honor and dis motion anything that per
tains to, or in any manner, glorifes the
cause of disunion. With the people of
the south we only seek to continue the
friendly rivalry long ago entered upon in
the effort to make our beloved land great
and prosperous and it's people intelligent
happy and prosperous. We will rival
them in exalting all that pertains to and
honors this great union, and in condemn
ing that tends to foster hostile senti-
ment thereto. The contemplation of the
grand picture of a long ago preserved
union mighty people prospering as no
people on earth ever pros pered before,
with future far beyond that which open
to any other nation, land comrades,
which to all its citizens is worth living
for, and country and government worth
dying for, continues the greatest reward
of those who have suffered and bled and
striven that such a spectacle might be
possible.
The
REPORT OF ADJ. GEN. e. B. GRAY
states that on March 81, 1886, there were
38 departments, s., 765 posts, and 295. 1897
members in good standing; constituting
the Grand Army of the Republic; on
March 81, 1887, the returns show 38 de-
partments, 6,312 posts, and 320,946 mem
bers in good standing. The returns COW
ering June 30, 1887, increase this mem
bership by good standing, 336,562; sus-
pended, 25, 220; delinquent, 1882; max
ing the total number borne on the rolls
372,674.
The total amount reported expended
in charity, March 81, 1886, to March 81,
1887, is 1888, 934.43. Number of ex-sol.
diers or their families relieved, 26,6O6-
II, 6O7 of these were members of the order
or the families Of such. In Wisconsin,
$4,15O.41 was expended in releiveing AL
persons.
The contributions to the Charleston
relief fund aggregated 7,4O8 SO, Of which
Wisconsin contributed $1,054.06.
The Encampment Formally Opened-Speeches
and Resolutions
ST.. LOUIS, Sept. 28.-The encampment
was opened in due form III the entertain
ment hall of the exposition building, at
$3.50 p. N. Communicating Chief, Gen.
Fairchild, presided. The annual address
of the Communicating chief, which was
worry long one, was presented.
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